Laura Burnett-Kurie earns her first Coach-of-the-Year honor in her fourth season at the helm of the Gustavus women’s soccer program. Burnett-Kurie has directed the Gusties to the greatest turnaround in program history as they are currently 13-6-1 overall and finished 8-3 in the MIAC, and then went on to claim the MIAC Playoff title with a 1-0 victory at St. Thomas. Burnett-Kurie also has her squad in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1998.

Ashley Becker made her presence known in a big way for the Gusties. In her first season wearing the Black and Gold, Becker posted a 0.97 goals against average and a .811 save percentage. Her 13 wins and 11 shutouts both rank first in the league.

Maddison Ackiss is Gustavus’s leading goal scorer with nine – including four game-winners – and she has added two assists for a team-high 20 points. Ackiss has also taken the most shots at 58 with a .155 shot percentage, and a .586 shot-on-goal percentage.

Sophie Leininger has been a major factor in the Gusties’ offensive production this season as she has a team-leading nine assists. She also has added a goal for 11 points. Her nine assists are one away from tying the Gustavus single season assist record.

Josie Mazzone is a leader on the Gustie defense that ranks fourth in the MIAC with a 0.97 goals against average. Mazzone has also contributed two assists.

2 Comments

Congratulations, not only to those mentioned in the article, but to all who had a hand in this marvelous turnaround season. It is a real honor for me to be an occasional part of a rooting section that has such a fine group of young people to cheer for and support. Go Gusties!!!

Congratulations Laura! (who called it?!!!) Sophie, Maddi, Ashley, Josie…well-des erved! It has been a treat to watch you and your entire team play! Looking forward to tonight…..kick some Wheaton butt!!